COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A hearing is scheduled in October on allegations that Republican Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster took nearly $70,000 in donations exceeding the legal limit, but a resolution with the State Ethics Commission could be reached before then.

Commission Director Herb Hayden said Thursday that McMaster’s attorney plans to propose a resolution to the commission’s board at a hearing set for Sept. 16. Hayden did not know any details. McMaster’s attorney, Butch Bowers, did not immediately return a phone message.

The allegations involve McMaster’s unsuccessful run for governor in 2010. He’s accused of taking 51 over-the-limit contributions to help retire his campaign debt after losing the primary. Donors can give statewide candidates up to $3,500 per election cycle.